By Nicole Akoukou Thompson (staff@latinpost.com)

Cardiovascular diseases, caused by high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, have a damning hold on the Hispanic community, with heart disease ranking as the community's No. 1 killer.

Adolescent obesity is a national public health concern and, unchecked, places young people on a trajectory for a variety of health issues as they grow older. A new study from the University of Houston Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) and Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC) suggests there is a relationship between long-term exposure to three specific types of family stressors and children becoming obese by the time they turn 18 years old.

Given the emphasis that Latinos place on family, it’s no wonder that so many are so willing to take on the task of caring for an elderly parent or a loved one that falls ill. But too often, these family caregivers plunge headfirst into the role without thinking through the strain and stress that will come with it – and the toll it may take on their own health. Some may think they have no choice, and for those it may be even more important to weigh the risks – the emotional stress, the physical strain, and the financial burden – against the reality of their current situation. 

By Nicole Akoukou Thompson (staff@latinpost.com)

Could acculturation make the difference in a person's health? Do most people know whether or not they are at risk for diabetes?

LIMRA research has released two studies on effective ways for companies and financial professionals to connect to the Hispanic market for life insurance. Distilled below are 10 important facts that are important to know when trying to reach Hispanics: